Patents Assigned to Acuson, A Siemens Company
  • Publication number: 20040049110
    Abstract: Transducer with different array configurations and methods of using the transducers are provided. An electrode layer on one side of a transducer device defines a one-dimensional array of elements. An electrode layer on an opposite side of the transducer device defines a multi-dimensional array. For example, one transducer device may be used for both two-dimensional imaging and three-dimensional imaging in response to the one-dimensional array and multi-dimensional array electrode configurations. Real time three-dimensional imaging and two-dimensional imaging may be provided with a single transducer. As another example, elements defined by one electrode configuration have a different surface area than elements defined by another electrode configuration. The different configurations on opposite sides of the transducer devices may be a same type (e.g. both one-dimensional arrays) or different types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Acuson, A Siemens Company
    Inventors: Anming He Cai, Lewis J. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040039285
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasound breast imaging is described. Breast is positioned in between an ultrasound array and a plate with embedded point or line targets. The apparatus and reflections from the targets are used 1) to improve focusing by correcting for tissue delay and amplitude aberration and 2) to improve diagnostics by constructing speed of sound and attenuation coefficient images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Acuson, A Siemens Company.
    Inventors: Kutay F. Ustuner, D-L Donald Liu, Thilaka S. Sumanaweera
  • Publication number: 20040006266
    Abstract: Methods and systems for forming images of heart by using multiple sets of ultrasound data are described. Each set of data is acquired and processed responsive to a different set of imaging parameters. The imaging parameter sets differ in at least one parameter, such as array position, temporal frequency response or transmit focal depth, so that the images formed using these data sets have, either laterally or axially, different spatial spectra. In one of the preferred embodiments, a set of images is formed responsive to a first imaging parameter set for a first cardiac cycle. Another set of images is formed responsive to a second imaging parameter set for a second cardiac cycle. Then the two sets of images are temporally aligned so that they correspond to the same set of phases of the cardiac cycle. The temporally aligned images may also be spatially aligned and combined. This technique can improve contrast resolution and/or field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Acuson, A Siemens Company.
    Inventors: Kutay F. Ustuner, Thilaka S. Sumanaweera, Sevig Ayter, Kenneth M. Fowkes, John A. Hossack, John W. Allison
  • Publication number: 20040002655
    Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly having a housing, a transducer array mounted in the housing, and active cooling mechanism positioned adjacent to the transducer array for actively removing heat generated by the array by transport of heat energy from the affected site. The active cooling mechanism comprises a thermo-electric cooler which utilizes active thermal transport to remove heat from the transducer. The thermoelectric cooler may be used alone or in combination with a phase change material or other system to subsequently remove the heat from the thermo-electric cooler. The thermo-electric cooler is coupled with the flex-circuit layers of the transducer to efficiently remove heat generated within the component layers of the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: Acuson, a Siemens Company
    Inventors: Mirsaid S. Bolorforosh, Worth B. Walters, Sevig Ayter
  • Publication number: 20040002651
    Abstract: Compounding of data representing a same location is provided. The level of compounding is tuned. Different levels of compounding between averaging and selecting a maximum or minimum and/or between minimum and maximum are provided. Ultrasound data to be compounded is weighted. The weights are defined by a smoothly varying functions from a zero value to a unity value or one. The weight for each of the data to be compounded is a function of all of the data to be compounded. One or more variables in the weighting function allows selection of the level of compounding. As a result of these weighting characteristics, a compromise or tuned level of compounding between minimum and selection of a maximum value is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: Acuson, A Siemens Company
    Inventor: Thilaka S. Sumanaweera
  • Publication number: 20030158479
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automatic adjustment of the transmit power are provided. Excess transmit power is determined as a function of the difference between a noise level and the lower end of the dynamic range of the system as configured. Based on the excess transmit power, the transmit power is reduced from the regulated maximum default settings to about a minimum while substantially preserving the original display image. This minimizes the acoustic energy delivered to the transducer and the body, thus reducing transducer heating and satisfying the FDA's ALARA principle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Acuson, A Siemens Company
    Inventors: Andrew Li, Kutay F. Ustuner